In this episode of Soul of Islam Radio, we have a much needed conversation with clinical psychologist Dr. Nafisa Sekandari on the subject of mental health and wellness for Muslims, and for human beings in general.
Based on her extensive clinical experience and professional practice, in addition to her own personal path, Dr. Sekandari shares with us the startling reality of the unprecedented global pandemic of mental illness due to persistent and chronic stress, fear, anxiety and worry.
Topics discussed include the power of presence and the present moment in healing the heart from the pressure of persistent anxiety, how faith inoculates us against fear, the power of dhikr, meditation and mindfulness to alleviate suffering and bring tranquility to the human heart, the power of breath and breathing to anchor and root us in the now and in the body so as to reduce the experience of anxiety in the mind, the importance of conscious and intentional eating as well as the role gut health plays in our mental and emotional state, the significant value of adequate and restful sleep, the consequences of loneliness on human health and happiness, the plight of the elderly in modern society and culture, and much, much more. Lastly, Dr. Sekandari shares practical steps and tips to immediately reduce stress, fear, anxiety and worry.
About Dr. Nafisa Sekandari
Dr. Nafisa Sekandari is an integrative and holistic licensed clinical psychologist practicing in the state of Arizona. She iss also the creator of the online and self paced course, Transforming Anxiety, in which she teaches not only how to regain control of one’s life from the clutches of anxiety, but also how to transform and understand the root cause of the malaise for a more permanent solution to the problem.
Dr. Sekandari is also the director of the website Mental Health and Wellness 4 Muslims and manages its Facebook page.
To learn more about meditation with Dr. Sekandari, seekers may enroll in her free 21 Day Meditation Challenge.
2 Responses
„The power of breath and breathing to anchor and root us in the now and in the body so as to reduce the experience of anxiety in the mind“
That’s a very, very good point. One of the eleven principles of the Naqshbandi Path: Hush dar dam, the awareness of breathing. Dhikr (remembrance of God in the breath, being aware or conscious of one’s breathing) is the foundation of a life well-lived. Everything begins with breathing 🙂 The soul has long been thought to be in the breath. The way we breathe shapes our entire life and we can literally breathe soul into our life and the world…
Well said, my dear brother. God’s divine light, peace and presence be with you always.